3 Common Fears About Childbirth

Labour is looming in the distance, past the bump updates, the antenatal appointments and the tiny socks. No matter how many well-meaning stories or affirmations your friends share, that inner voice still whispers, “But what if it’s too much for me?”

You are not alone. This fear is more common than most people think. Fear is a common theme in almost every mother-to-be’s story. Here’s some good news: Fear doesn’t need to dominate your birth experience.

Let’s Talk about Fear (Yes, it’s Natural)

These anxieties, whether they are about pain, tearing or something more… um… messy, are valid. The difference between a mother who feels anxious during labour and one who is empowered (even when things don’t exactly go to plan), often comes down to this:

Education.

Yep. Understanding what happens to your body, mind and baby during birth is as simple as it may sound. It can reduce fear and increase confidence.

We spoke to Edwina Sharrock about this. She is a midwife and registered nurse. She also founded Birthbeat, an online platform that helps thousands of Australian parents prepare for childbirth. She has spent years helping women with every type of labour possible. According to her, three fears come up repeatedly.

Break them down and find out what you can do to get rid of them.

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Fear #1: The Pain

Oh yes. The big. Fear is a constant companion in nearly every pregnant woman’s mind.

“How bad will it hurt?”

This is a fair question, but it’s impossible to answer completely with certainty. What does Edwina think? Understanding your body’s workings can change the way you feel pain.

She explains that the biggest thing to overcome fear of childbirth is to understand physiology – what is happening to your own body – and to learn to trust your body’s ability to carry out this task.

It’s important to pause and think about that: Your body was built for this. This is not just nice words, it’s science. Your muscles, brain, and hormones have a task to perform, whether you’re aware of it or not.

How can we reduce our fear of pain?

Understanding Your Triggers is a key to understanding your strategy

Fear of pain doesn’t only involve physical sensations, but also control. Preparing for labour involves learning how to react when you feel overwhelmed or unpredictable.

Edwina describes the “discomfort” challenge as one of the most important exercises in her Birth Beat program. “

She explains, “I ask parents what they depend on to get them through the week. It could be going to the gym or scrolling through social media. Or it could be having coffee with a good friend.”

Then? Then?

Listen to her before you shout “Cruel!”. This exercise is about identifying how we cope with the loss of our comfort zone. Labour is full of unfamiliar sensations–physically and emotionally. You can build mental resilience by learning to accept discomfort. This will help you when the work gets tough.

Fear #2: Pooping in front of Strangers

It’s time to get this out there. is the real, and is the common, even if many people don’t say it.

Many mums are anxious about the possibility of pooing while in labour. Many women are worried about the thought of pooing in front of doctors, midwives and their partners.

You are not weird. You’re Human.

Edwina says, “We are taught since we were toddlers that pooing in private.” “Then you find yourself in a room with a lot of people, being told to stomp like you are doing a poo.”

80% of all women will poop during labor. It’s not because they did anything wrong. The same muscles you use to help your baby are also the ones that you use when you go to the bathroom.

Nobody in the delivery room will blink. They’ve seen this hundreds of times. This just means that you are pushing well and your baby is close to arriving.

Strategy: Reframe the embarrassment

Edwina recommends that you change your mentality if you are still concerned:

If you poop during labour, it’s an indication to your doctor that things are moving along. It’s unlikely that you will even notice, as it is usually cleaned up by the time you are aware of it.

You are doing something that is one of the most amazing things the human body can accomplish: giving life to the world. We shouldn’t let a few bodily functions dim that glow.

Fear #3: Tearing

Another biggie, and another fear that horror stories and social media tend to amplify. It can be frightening to think of being torn at birth. Understanding the mechanics of birth can put things into perspective.

Edwina: “So much of what is said about tears doesn’t have any basis.” “It’s frustrating. “Women deserve realistic and empowering education, not fear-based messages.”

There are many simple and effective ways to reduce the risk of tearing.

Use these three tools to help prevent tears

1. Work upright.
Gravity can be your best friend. Standing, squatting or kneeling in a position that allows your pelvis to be open and mobile will help reduce pressure on the baby and allow it to descend more smoothly.

2. Do not push until you’re dilated.
The risk of tears increases if you rush the pushing phase. Listen to your midwife or doctor for guidance.

3. Try perineal massaging.
Many midwives, and even birth educators, recommend massaging the area between the vaginal and the anus (the perineum) starting at around 34 weeks. It can help to increase elasticity and decrease resistance.

Bonus tip: Relaxation can help the tissues to stretch. Tension = resistance. Another tick for mental and educational preparation!

Why Education is the real superpower

No one can predict exactly how your journey will unfold. There is too much variability, and each person’s birth is unique. Knowledge is power.

Edwina says that if you are clear about your options and know what you want, you can reduce fear. If you’re afraid, you may be more tense. This could lead to a more difficult and prolonged labour.

Fear literally can affect your work.

When you are scared, adrenaline and other stress hormones can interfere with the production of hormones that promote labour, such as oxytocin, endorphins, etc. Tension causes pain. Panic is caused by pain. Panic makes things slower.

When you feel ready and supportive, everything changes. You may still have to work hard, but you will be able to face it with more confidence.

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Want to prepare? Want to Prepare?

You’re not the only one if you are pregnant and feel even a tiny bit anxious about giving birth. You can take action today.

Here are some small steps that can make a huge difference.

Join a Birth Education Program

Online options like strong>Birth Beat/strong> make it easy to learn at your own pace, in your space. Birthbeat allows you to learn at your own pace and in your own space.

Speak to your birth partner

Share your concerns and preferences with your partner, sister or doula. They will be able to support you better if they know what you want.

Practice Mind-Body Techniques

Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, even hypnobirthing, they’re not just buzzwords. These tools will help you remain calm, breathe through the pain and ride each contraction.

Create a birth plan (but be flexible)

Remember to write down any preferences you may have, such as who you would like in the room with you, pain relief options or music you prefer. Do not be rigid, but rather empowered.

Last Thoughts:

Each expectant mother has a lot of dreams and hopes, but also a lot of fears. That’s normal. That’s normal.

Here’s what you don’t need to bring into the delivery room.

uncertainty. You’ll be more confident and excited about the journey ahead if you better understand your body, what you can do, and how birth works.

Your body does something amazing whether you breathe, push, laugh, or cry.

Instead of being afraid, learn and prepare now, and have faith in yourself.

The best births are not those that follow a perfectly planned path. They’re the ones where you feel empowered, informed and supported at every stage.